I was at the meeting on Monday. I wasn't in a position to get pictures, but the changes are relatively minor. The tower is going to get a little narrower towards the top, as the top three floors will be penthouse units with larger patios. Other than that, they're working with MPD and a different architect that specializes in fire station design to refine the fire station plans - the most recent changes have the station house part of the station at the corner of 5th and 3rd with the garage midblock on 5th, so it will share a wide curb cut with the parking entrance on 5th. They're finalizing the design and planning to go to the CoW in October.

I’m relieved to see st least some action on this project it has the potential to add handsomely to the Washington corridor and to bring at least a little bit of affordable housing closer to the heart of downtown. A careful read of the Strib article does include not only the six story affordable building but the tower as well, though it does not mention the height of the tower. The six story component is the one that financing will be most difficult for because it is not market rate housing like the tower is. I would be surprised if the City would not want this to get built.

The TIF plan report does have what appears to be an updated rendering of the tower. I actually really liked the previous design so the new look is a bit disappointing in my opinion.

Agreed, it's a minor adjustment, but I do prefer the darker material featured on the west side from the previous rendering. The sandstone color makes me think of the Multifoods, aka, Target Tower (City Center).

The TIF plan report does have what appears to be an updated rendering of the tower. I actually really liked the previous design so the new look is a bit disappointing in my opinion.

Agreed, it's a minor adjustment, but I do prefer the darker material featured on the west side from the previous rendering. The sandstone color makes me think of the Multifoods, aka, Target Tower (City Center).